A father-of-two from the Upper Hunter has been remembered as a talented polo player and a “true gentlemen” after a fatal workplace accident. Former New Zealand polo player and father Guy ‘Kirky’ Kirkpatrick has been remembered by family and friends after tragically losing his life in a recent workplace accident.
The 48-year-old, who lived and worked on the Packer family-owned Ellerston property north-east of Scone, suffered horrific head injuries and died while using machinery to help clear fallen trees and branches on January 7. A well-known Scone personality and dedicated member of Ellerston polo, his death sent shockwaves throughout the Upper Hunter community.
“It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Guy at Ellerston Australia, as a result of a tragic accident,” Ellerston’s Onassis Polo said on Facebook.
“He will be sorely missed.”
One friend described him as a rare person, that always cared for other people.
“I crossed paths with him at polo for over 20 years, he was a superior in the sport but never made you feel that way, instead he was always positive in his dealings with others with no self benefit,” he commented on social media. “A rare combination of competitor and complete gentlemen.”
Another posted, “Kirky will be greatly missed, not only on the field but on the sidelines and behind the black fence.”
Tributes also flooded in online from abroad.
“Many of us know Kirky as a charismatic and talented polo player who represented New Zealand and worked in both England and Australia with polo,” the New Zealand Polo Association wrote on their Facebook page.
“He was well respected in our community and will be sorely missed.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
His memorial service will be held next week.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
